Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is diagnosed when an individual suffers symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn at least twice a week. GERD is a digestive disorder that is the result of stomach acid returning to the esophagus, consequently irritating the lining of the esophagus. Initially lifestyle change and self-care procedures are utilized in order to try and control the reflux and heartburn. However, when these symptoms occur frequently or interfere with daily activities and are not efficiently managed with home remedies it is important to make an appointment to visit a medical professional.

GERD is most likely caused by a weakened band of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. Under normal circumstances, once food passes through the esophagus to the stomach, the valve at the bottom of the esophagus will close and prevent liquids and stomach acid from coming back up into the esophageal tract. When this valve does not function properly an individual will begin to experience the symptoms of GERD which will worsen over time. Complications include scar tissue or ulcers in the esophageal tract.

Beyond the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn sufferers may also experience a persistent cough and trouble with swallowing. Chronic cough is defined as a cough that has persisted eight or more weeks and its presence has yet to be explained. It is not thoroughly understood how a dry cough which may worsen at night, is related to GERD although it continues to be researched. Studies have found that by treating GERD the cough is also managed when cough is the presenting symptom by a patient. A plausible explanation of the relationship is that coughing is an effective way for the body to rid itself of irritants and excess fluids. Sufferers of GERD and concurrent chronic cough may find relief in avoiding lying down after meals, not eating meals that exacerbate the condition, and elevating the head when sleeping.

There are a variety of measures which are adequate for diagnosing GERD once the initial medical appointment has been made. These include x-rays, endoscopies, and esophageal tests that measure the amount of stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus. To begin treatment a patient will initiate lifestyle changes such as attaining and maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding foods that worsen heartburn, and abstaining from food and liquids close to bedtime. Along with these actions a patient can also take over-the-counter antacids and medications. If through following this regimen symptoms are not alleviated, prescription medications will be recommended. As with the over-the-counter medications there are prescriptions available that reduce acid production and there are also medications available that can strengthen the valve that connects the esophagus and stomach. Additionally, these medications assist with emptying the contents of your stomach more quickly. In more severe cases surgery to repair the esophagus or the valve located between the esophagus and stomach are considered when prescriptions are not adequately treating GERD or when long term use of medicine is not desired.

GERD is a digestive disease for which there are numerous treatments available depending on the severity. Untreated GERD is uncomfortable and interferes with daily living. Find out about ways to treat GERD in order to avoid a chronic cough be sure to visit Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today!

Acid indigestion, also known as heartburn, is a burning sensation in the chest after eating. It is caused by stomach acid coming back up, or refluxing, and reaching the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Acid indigestion is a fairly common condition, affecting nearly one-third of the population occasionally, while up to 10% of adults suffer from acid indigestion daily. It is very common in pregnancy as well, with 1 in 4 pregnant women reporting daily bouts of heartburn for at least some of their pregnancy.

Symptoms of Acid Indigestion
Acid indigestion is sometimes mistaken for a heart attack because the symptoms can be somewhat similar. If you have any suspicion that you may be having a heart attack and not heartburn, it is critical that you seek medical attention immediately.

The main symptom of heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the upper abdomen and chest which can sometimes radiate into the back, jaw and throat. The burning can get much worse when bending over, lying down or after a particularly heavy meal. Pain usually starts within 30-60 minutes of eating and tends to recede gradually as food is being digested.

Causes of Acid Indigestion
Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) remains open or relaxes after eating, which allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Certain foods can exacerbate or cause the loosening of the LES, including peppermint, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, alcohol and foods high in fat. Foods that are spicy or acidic can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause a worsening of your symptoms.

Putting pressure on the abdomen tends to increase the chance of acid indigestion, so it is important to avoid wearing tight clothing and be aware that coughing, bending, straining, having a hiatal hernia, being obese and being pregnant can increase symptoms of heartburn.

Certain medications can also cause trouble with acid indigestion, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and osteoporosis medication.

Treatment of Acid Indigestion
Many times, heartburn can be successfully treated by avoiding foods and activities that cause it and by taking over the counter medications such as antacids. Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime and try to stay upright for up to an hour after eating to help keep stomach acid where it belongs.

If home treatments are not offering relief, it may be time to talk to your doctor about prescription remedies to alleviate the pain and burning of heartburn. Prescription histamine-2 blockers, such as Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid and Axid, all work to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. Reglan is a drug that helps empty food and acid more quickly and also helps to tighten the LES. The third and last type of drugs to be used are the proton pump inhibitors, which prevent the secretion of acid altogether. Common brands include Prevacid, Prilosec and Nexium.

When Is Acid Indigestion Serious?
If you experience acid indigestion two or more times a week, you may be experiencing a more serious condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD can be severe and can cause scarring of the esophagus. Please see your doctor if you are having repeated episodes of acid indigestion. Treatment to stop the erosion of the esophagus is important to prevent long term problems associated with GERD. Find more information on the causes and cures associated with acid reflux be sure to visit Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today!

Gastroesophageal reflux or GERD is a medical condition that causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus or throat. GERD coughing is common since stomach acid is not only irritating to the esophagus, it is also irritating to the delicate tissues of the throat as well. Although not all cases of acid reflux result in GERD coughing, it is very common. Other signs and symptoms of GERD include frequent throat clearing, a burning sensation in the chest area or throat, persistent heartburn and even chest pain.

Sometimes, symptoms of GERD can be so severe, that they actually can mimic a heart attack. When symptoms of chest pain occur, it should never be assumed that the symptoms are related to acid reflux disease or GERD. When in doubt, a medical evaluation should be sought to make sure the symptoms are not cardiovascular in nature. To ease symptoms of GERD coughing, drinking plenty of fluid can help dilute stomach acid so that they are not as irritating. In addition, over-the-counter acid inhibitors can also help reduce symptoms.

Home remedies that are effective in reducing GERD coughing and other symptoms include elevating the head of the bed when sleeping. This helps prevent the backflow of stomach acid from migrating into the throat. In addition, avoiding certain foods such as chocolate, peppermint and highly spiced and fatty foods can reduce symptoms. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also exacerbate acid reflux symptoms, so cutting down can be beneficial.

Excessive weight can worsen GERD, as can certain medications. These include beta blockers, which relax the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, allowing stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus. Other medications that tend to relax the LES include narcotic pain relievers and anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Ativan. In addition to over-the-counter acid blocking medications, antacid tablets can help neutralize stomach acid.

When symptoms of GERD coughing and other acid reflux symptoms occur, the physician may recommend diagnostic testing to determine the extent of the condition. Medical tests that may be recommended include an upper GI series or endoscopy, and a blood test that can check for a condition called h pylori. This bacterium can promote the development of stomach ulcers and cause symptoms similar to those of GERD. In addition, the physician will want to determine if the esophagus has been damaged by acid erosion, and if so, what the extent is. A condition called Barrett?s esophagus can cause significant symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, GERD coughing and heartburn. In addition, untreated Barrett?s may increase the risk of esophageal cancer in certain individuals.

It is important to note that when symptoms of GERD occur, and particularly GERD coughing, remedies such as cough medicine will be ineffective in treating the condition. Unless efforts are made to specifically alleviate the migration of stomach acid into the throat, coughing and pronounced throat clearing will persist. Although GERD is seldom a serious medical condition, symptoms can be intrusive and prevent the enjoyment of certain foods. When home remedies for GERD are ineffective for treating symptoms, the physician can implement an appropriate treatment plan that may include prescription medication, dietary changes and a weight loss program. For more information on the causes and cures of GERD coughing be sure to visit Reflux Remedy at refluxrememdy.com today!

Inflammation of the stomach, sometimes known by the medical term of gastritis, is a medical condition with a variety of causes. Some surgeries, particularly weight loss surgeries, can cause inflammation, along with drinking too much alcohol, taking certain medications such as over the counter pain relievers, and bacterial infections. Even having too much stress in one’s life can increase the chance of developing an inflamed stomach, perhaps due to the reduction in immune defenses that which leaves the stomach open to infection.

Sometimes, inflammation of the stomach can occur without symptoms, but more likely severe abdominal pain is the first sign of this inflammation for many people. This pain usually occurs in the upper central abdomen, but can actually occur anywhere in the abdomen, and may take many different forms, from a burning pain, to a sharp, stabbing feeling. Many other symptoms can occur, including nausea and vomiting, to the point that vomit may even include blood, bloating, burping that does not make the pain go away, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, and dangerous weight loss.

Acute inflammation is usually due to losing the mucous that normally protects the stomach from its own acid, and often occurs after drinking too much or taking certain medications, including Tylenol and Aspirin. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is due to the destruction of the stomach lining, and can occur from bacterial infection, autoimmune diseases, and bile released into the stomach from other medical conditions. Over time, chronic gastritis can result in the death of cells needed to create the protective mucousal lining.

Expensive surgeries and prescription drugs used to treat inflammation of the stomach are not always the best options for treatment, since they can have unintended side effects, and medications may actually make the situation worse when they wear off, forcing a person to take them continuously for long periods of time. A variety of home remedies exist that can not only treat stomach inflammation symptoms, but actually cure the underlying problem as well.

Generally, a person with an inflamed stomach should avoid all dairy products such as milk, since these can make the problem worse. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will also help to flush out any toxins in the stomach and promote healing. Taking vitamin E can help to reduce inflammation, but also taking two chlorophyll capsules each day can help to treat anemia, which can sometimes be the underlying cause of inflammation. Licorice can help treat inflammation as well as the ulcers that result from it; for best results, 300 to 600 mg should be chewed one half hour before eating a meal. Ginger can help with most symptoms of inflammation when it is taken on a daily basis, reducing inflammation, nausea, and gas, and killing bacteria that might be causing the inflammation.

If you suffer from stomach inflammation, you can get more information here. Download the Reflux Remedy Report at reluxremedy.com to learn more about curing inflammation safely and quickly using healthy, natural remedies.